Sunday, December 28, 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas in our home this year. Gavin and Tyrone are old enough to really understand the story of the birth of Christ. We have a miniature nativity that we would get down and put on the floor. The boys would each name the characters and their favorite was to point to "Baby Jesus." This Christmas season flew by in such a blink that I really didn't feel I had a lot of time to focus on the true meaning. Lucas and I did decide in the middle of the year, that we would not place so much importance on presents and the commercial side of Christmas. The boys told us 3 or 4 things that they really wanted from Santa and we felt that was enough for them. Lucas and I actually left each others gift shopping till the last minute, and were still picking up last minute things on Christmas Eve. That was a little crazy to say the least. We still had fun picking out things from each others wish lists. I am always grounded when I hear the sweet Christmas music; playing in stores, on the radio and in our home throughout the season. We celebrate the birth of our Savior and are reminded of his love and sacrifice for each of us. My favorite part of Christmas is seeing the joy in my childrens faces as they open their gifts and spending time with family. That's all that really matters.Three little ElvesLucas reading "Twas The Night Before Christmas."

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Legend has it that in the 18th Century somewhere in Europe any public display of Christianity was forbidden. No crosses or Bibles were allowed and the Christians were greatly oppressed. One old man, a candy maker by profession, was particularly distressed by this. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and couldn't stand to not share that love with the world. His heart especially went out to the children when Christmas drew near and no one was allowed to have a nativity scene on display in their homes. He prayed for God to show him some way to make Christmas gifts for the children which would teach them the story of Christ.

The answer was the candy cane. The candy cane was in the shape of a shepherds staff to show them Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His flock. A sheep follows his own shepherd, knows his voice, and trusts him and knows that he is totally safe with him. The sheep will follow no other shepherd but their own. This is how we are to be with Jesus if we truly follow Him ( John 10:11; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:11)

Upside down the candy cane was a "J", the first letter of Jesus' name. ( Luke 1:31) It was made of hard candy to remind us that Christ is the rock of our salvation. The wide red stripes on the candy cane were to represent the blood He shed on the cross for each one of us so that we can have eternal life through Him. He redeems us and cleanses us with His shed blood - the only thing that can wash away our sin. ( Luke 22:20) . The white stripes on a candy cane represented the virgin birth, sinless life and purity of our Lord. He is the only human being who ever lived on this earth who never committed a single sin. Even though He was tempted just as we are, He never sinned. ( I Peter: 22) The three narrow red stripes on candy canes symbolized that by His stripes, or wounds, we are healed and the Trinity - the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit. Before the crucifixion Jesus was beaten; the crown of thorns was placed on His head; His back was raw from the whip. We are healed by those wounds. He bore our sorrows and by His stripes we are healed. ( Isaiah 53:3) The flavoring in the candy cane was peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is of the mint family and was used in Old Testament times for purification and sacrifice just as Jesus sacrificed His life for ours. ( John 19:29; Psalm 51:7)

The old candy maker told them that when we break our candy cane it reminds us that Jesus' body was broken for us. When we have communion it is a reminder of what He did for us. ( I Cor. 11:24) If we share our candy cane and give some to someone else in love because we want to, it represents that same love of Jesus because He is to be shared with one another in love. ( I John 4:7,8) God gave Himself to us when He sent Jesus. He loved us so much He wants us to spend eternal life with Him... which we can do if we accept Jesus in our hearts as Savior and Lord. ( John 1:12; John 3:3,16) Some people believe this story of the candy cane is just a legend. Others believe it really happened. We do not know for sure exactly how the candy cane was invented, but there is one thing for certain... it is an excellent picture of Christ and His love for you.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

We blessed our little Angel, Niamh last Sunday. Lucas gave Niamh a very beautiful blessing. The spirit was so strong during the blessing. I am so grateful to have a husband who is worthy to hold the holy priesthood. Lucas looked like such a proud dad, holding his little girl up for the whole congregation to see. We had family members there from each side. After church we came back to our house for dinner. It is so nice to have both sides of the family here in town. We just seem to keep growing. I am so grateful for my little family. I love my children so much and I am so thankful for how perfect and individual each of them are. I love my little girl Niamh, she is so beautiful and just makes me smile everyday. She is truly a gift from Heaven.

Friday, December 5, 2008

If not for you, I wouldn’t knowWhat true love really meant.I’d never feel this inner peace;I couldn’t be content.

If not for you, I’d never haveThe pleasures of romance.I’d miss the bliss, the craziness,Of love’s sweet, silly dance.

I have to feel your tender touch;I have to hear your voice;No other one could take your place;You’re it; I have no choice.

If not for you, I’d be adrift;I don’t know what I’d do;I’d be searching for my other half,Incomplete, if not for you.

By Joanna Fuchs

Its impossible for me to imagine a life without you babe. It seems like fate that our paths would cross. When I first asked you out at the gym and you told me no, I felt something within me stir and I knew I shouldn't give up. Now, as I wake up each day to see you, and as I watch our children play in the back yard, and as we experience all the wonderful things of life together, I now know it was destiny for us to be together forever. You are truely my other half. You bring me so much joy with your feisty, cheerful, and perfect personality. You are so sexy and beautiful, and I'm so proud to have a woman like you by my side. I love you eternally, Mandy. With 5 years gone, and an eternity ahead, I am excited to continue this journey with you.Love Lucas

Today Lucas and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary. It seems like only yesterday that we met and went on our first date, got engaged after a month of dating and were married 4 months later. I can't say it was love at first sight for me with Lucas. I believe in taking a second look, a deeper look. Lucas impressed me from the beginning with his charisma, his sense of humor, his kindness, his testimony and most of all his handsomeness. He swept me off my feet from our first date and my feet have never touched the ground since. He is my other half, my soulmate, my eternal companion. He is so romantic and loving, generous and never ceases to make me laugh. He is a wonderful father to our children and such a hard worker. He puts me before him in all things and is my best friend. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him and on through eternity. I love you!!!